A Towel or A Crown - Servant Leadership

Scripture:

Mark 10:42–45 ESV

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OH 245 = More About Jesus

CH 572 = Give of Your Best to the Master

Introduction

Experience at BRI - I lied that I was doing a Masters

I was viewed through the prism of a world centred leadership

Jesus was abandoned for the very fact that his model of leadership was different

Leadership - World-Centred

A desire to increase in prestige, status, and influence and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve these things, even if it means neglecting or hurting people who do not appear to be means of one’s own personal advancement—Tim Gombis

Power-based hierarchies and authority

Focus on position, title, and recognition

Success measured by control and achievements

Leadership - Christ-Centred

John 13:1–17 ESV

1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

What We Learn

Action: The King becomes the servant

Reaction: Peter's resistance reveals our own discomfort with inverted power

Lesson: "I have set you an example"

Called - Servant Leadership

Definition

“Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy where the leader’s primary goal is to serve others. This leader prioritises the growth, well-being, and success of their team members above their own. By focusing on uplifting those they lead, servant leaders foster community, collaboration, and shared success.”

Example

Moses

Israel under the leadership of Moses were examples or types for the admonition of those living in the last days. He was specially prepared for his ministry by his experience in exile where he learned humility and how to walk with God. In every instance when that people murmured against him (and they were many), it was counted as murmuring against God. Why? Simply because God had chosen him and instructed him. He chose to lead his mind, and talked with him. They had evidence of this, and yet in every trial they complained of Moses. I think there is not a single instance on record where the people complained directly of God, but only of his servant. Ldrshp 9.1

Core Principles of Servant Leadership

Leadership is Sacrifice: 5 Realities of Leading Effectively,

Matt Mayberry

The Responsibility Burden

The weight of decision-making is significantly heavier for those in leadership positions. While making decisions when they affect us is difficult, knowing what you decide will directly impact others makes each choice exponentially harder. Early in their careers, leaders realize that ensuring the well-being of those they’re responsible for often means sacrificing comfort, time, and self-interest.

Time: The Invisible Investment

Leaders recognize that their time isn’t entirely their own. Whether it’s an unexpected crisis, a team member in distress, or a last-minute project review, leaders often must place their plans on the back burner. This might mean fewer personal vacations, long nights, or missed family dinners. It’s a sacrifice of personal time for the greater good.

Personal Goals vs. Collective Needs

While leaders must have a vision, aligning those visions with what’s best for the organization or team is equally essential. Sometimes, this means shelving a personal ambition or project in favor of what benefits the majority. Putting the collective before oneself is a stark example of the sacrifice leaders make each day.

Emotional Expenditure: The Hidden Cost of Leadership

Leaders, like all people, have emotional limits. Yet, their role often requires them to be an anchor of stability and hope during challenging times. This might involve covering their feelings or concerns to inspire confidence and positivity in others.

Continuous Growth: The Backbone of Leadership

One might assume that reaching a leadership position is the pinnacle of professional development. However, leaders understand that to guide others effectively, they must embrace continuous growth themselves. This means sacrificing your ego.

A Crown Defferred

John 6:15 ESV

15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

After feeding the crowd Jesus resisted the demands of the crowd

Deferring personal ambition has a price

God guarantees future compensation

1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NKJV

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.